Fallas – Valencia’s Fire-Filled Celebration

Fallas is one of the most extraordinary festivals in the world, celebrated annually in Valencia, Spain, during the week leading up to March 19th. It is a dazzling spectacle of creativity, tradition, and community, where massive, intricate sculptures are created and eventually burned in a grand finale of fireworks and fire. This section provides an overview of what Fallas is, including its unique blend of art, history, and festivities, offering a glimpse into what makes this festival so special. 

 Fallas is a centuries-old festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and honors Saint Joseph. Rooted in local traditions, it features the creation and burning of massive, intricate sculptures that depict satirical and political themes. We delve into the origins of Fallas, its transformation over the years, and why it’s so important to the people of Valencia on our YouTube Channel. We also explain about the other various parts of this wonderful festival in Valencia on our YouTube. Just look for our, "What Is?" series playlist if you want to know more.

Top 10 Things to Do or Experience at Las Fallas

1. Witness the Mascletà: 

Experience the daily mascletà, a traditional fireworks display that takes place at 2 pm in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

2. Visit the Fallas: 

Explore the intricate detail and colourful fallas sculptures displayed throughout the city streets.

3. Attend the Fireworks Show: 

Don't miss the nightly fireworks displays that light up the sky over Valencia. These are held throughout March at the weekends but the biggest ones start on the night of 15th March with, "Nit de l'Alba".

4. Enjoy the Traditional Parades:

 Watch the parades of falleras and falleros dressed in traditional Valencian costumes especially "La Ofrenda", the flower offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados.

5. Indulge in Local Cuisine: 

Sample traditional Valencian dishes like paella, churros, hot chocolate and horchata from the local vendors.

6. Join the Street Parties: 

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the street parties that continue late into the early hours.

7. Attend a Street Mascletà:

 Experience a traditional mascletà up close and personal at one of the many fallas commissions  during the festival.

8. Explore the City: 

Take the time to explore Valencia's historic sites, like the City of Arts and Sciences and the Valencia Cathedral.

9. Shop at the Mercado Central: 

Visit the bustling Mercado Central to sample local produce and buy souvenirs.

10. Participate in a Nit del Foc: 

Join the "Night of Fire" celebrations with the biggest and most spectacular of all the fireworks displays.

While Fallas is an exciting and thrilling event, safety is always a top priority. This section offers practical tips on staying safe during the festivities, from protecting yourself during fireworks displays to navigating crowded areas. We want you to enjoy the festival while keeping safety in mind, ensuring a memorable and secure experience for everyone.

1. Be Mindful of Pickpockets: 

Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

2. Stay Hydrated: 

Valencia can get quite hot during the festival, so remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during the wait of the daily mascletà in Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

3. Follow Local Authorities' Instructions: 

In case of emergencies or safety concerns, follow the instructions of local authorities and event organizers.

4. Watch Out for Fire Hazards: 

Be cautious around the fallas sculptures and bonfires to avoid accidents and avoid getting involved with illegal fireworks in the Palau de la Música during the final week.

5. Plan Your Transportation: 

Use public transportation or designated routes to get around during the festival and remember the city centre is completely closed to all traffic.

Fallas is a family-friendly celebration, with many events and activities suitable for all ages, including children. This section highlights the kid-friendly aspects of the festival, including parades, walking the streets seeing the amazing Ninots and Fallas Monument and interactive exhibits. Additionally, we’re proud to feature our educational cartoon series, designed to teach children (and parents) about the history and importance of Fallas in a fun, engaging way!

Fallas is not only for adults - there’s LOADS for the kids too! The lively atmosphere of parades, colorful street performances, and the excitement of fireworks make Fallas a fun event for families. For children, we provide an educational experience through our cartoon series on YouTube, helping them learn about the importance of the festival while enjoying the magic of the celebrations. 

In short, yes Fallas is a great option for the whole family.

Fallas is a celebration like no other, filled with art, history, music, and, of course, fireworks. It’s a festival that brings together people from all over the world to experience the heart and soul of Valencia. Whether you’re here to admire the spectacular sculptures, enjoy the explosive pyrotechnics, or learn about the rich cultural traditions, Fallas offers something for everyone.

We hope this guide helps you navigate the excitement and fully appreciate all that this extraordinary festival has to offer. Be sure to check out our social media pages for even more insights and updates throughout the celebrations, past, present and future!